Guard admits helping inmates escape from jail

Chicago  A jail guard charged with helping six inmates escape over the weekend allegedly told investigators he did it to influence the upcoming sheriff's election, an official said Tuesday.

The guard said he was trying to embarrass outgoing county Sheriff Michael Sheahan and his chief of staff, Tom Dart, who is running for sheriff, an official with knowledge of the investigation told The Associated Press.

Darin Gater, 36, originally said he was overpowered by an inmate but has since changed his story, according to the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the ongoing investigation.

All six of the escaped inmates were captured.

Gater faces several charges, including aggravated battery to a correctional officer, aggravated arson and escape, said John Gorman, spokesman for the Cook County state's attorney's office.